Dive Into Ocean Conservation: The International Ocean Film Tour in Corralejo
This Sunday, July 12th, at 18:00, the El Auditorio Municipal de Corralejo will host the exclusive Fuerteventura screening of the International Ocean Film Tour. Renowned as Europe’s most significant ocean film festival, this event brings together captivating narratives that explore our planet’s vast oceans. In this particular stop, attendees can expect five riveting international documentaries with a notable focus on the conservation of rays and sharks right from the Canary Islands.
Special Guest: A Voice for Marine Conservation
The screening will feature a special appearance by Maite Asensio Elvira, a marine scientist, environmental educator, and underwater photographer. She is a representative of the Canary Islands’ Latitud Azul environmental association. During the event, Maite will introduce the European project titled Conservation Strategies for Sharks and Rays in the Canary Islands. This initiative aims to enhance the understanding and protection of sharks and rays within the archipelago, shedding light on their ecological significance.
The Conservation Challenge
Currently, 78 species of sharks and rays have been identified in the Canary Islands, with approximately 45% classified as threatened. Alarmingly, around 20% still lack vital scientific data. The project Maite will present focuses on collecting essential information regarding the biology, distribution, ecology, and threats faced by these species. Furthermore, an assessment of their vulnerability is underway, crucial for targeted conservation efforts.
A Cinematic Journey of Adventure and Conservation
What to Expect
The Volume 12 of the International Ocean Film Tour offers a selection of five feature films drawn from six countries across four continents—each chosen from a vast pool of global submissions. These stories intertwine themes of adventure and marine conservation, effectively illustrating the ocean as a backdrop and a central theme in lives deeply connected to the sea.
The Films
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Christa Funk: Passion for the Waves opens the lineup, presenting a portrait of the formidable sports photographer who captures Hawaii’s most challenging surf spots, including Pipeline.
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The Last Dive follows veteran diver Terry Kennedy as he returns to meet Willy, a manta ray with whom he has shared a bond for over 40 years. This documentary captures the essence of nature, personal memory, and a commitment to marine conservation.
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A Different Beast chronicles the journey of brothers Lachlan, Ewan, and Jamie Maclean as they attempt to row across the Pacific Ocean, showcasing their dedication to overcoming hardships.
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Adding an adrenaline rush, Up the Coast features world kiteboarding champion Kevin Langeree as he navigates across South Africa in search of the perfect wind.
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Finally, Home is the Ocean shares the remarkable story of the Schwörer family, who left their conventional Swiss life to explore the world aboard a sailboat, challenging conventional views on education and community living.
Bridging Stories With Local Conservation Efforts
Maite Asensio’s presence at the festival helps to connect these international narratives with localized conservation strategies in the Canary Islands. The project initiated by Latitud Azul seeks to foster cooperation among various stakeholders, including the scientific community, public administrations, the fishing sector, and marine tourism enterprises.
Key Initiatives
Planned activities include analyzing catch data, hosting participatory workshops, running environmental education campaigns, and launching citizen science initiatives. Of particular interest is a short documentary aimed at raising awareness about the critical need to preserve shark and ray populations.
Engaging the Community and Prizes
Attendees of the Corralejo screening will have the chance to participate in several exciting raffles linked to marine exploration and adventure. Prizes include a trip for two to Lanzarote, diving courses, online conservation training, and nautical navigation experience vouchers.
A Collaborative Effort
The International Ocean Film Tour was founded in Germany by Moving Adventures GmbH and is promoted and distributed in Spain, Andorra, and Portugal by Kinema Producciones SL. This year marks the second successful collaboration with the Ayuntamiento de La Oliva, through its departments of Environment, Sports, and Culture, along with local organization Clean Ocean Project. Partnerships with international entities like Sea Shepherd Global and Surfrider Foundation further enrich these conservation efforts.
Join the diverse array of voices and stories celebrating the beauty of our oceans while advocating for their protection during this exceptional event in Corralejo.
